Oropharyngeal Cancer

Cancer of the oropharynx refers to tumors arising from the mucosal lining of the mid-pharynx (throat). The pharynx is the tube that extends from the back of the nose to the opening of the esophagus. Food and air pass through the pharynx on the way to the windpipe and esophagus, respectively. The oropharynx, or mid-throat area, includes the back of the mouth, base of the tongue and tonsils.

Signs and symptoms

Persistent sore throat
Trouble swallowing
A lump in the back of the mouth or throat
Change in the voice
Pain in the ear

Stages of oropharynx cancer

Stage I is the stage where the cancer has not spread and is no more than two centimeters diameter.
Stage II occurs when the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes and is between two and four centimeters in diameter.
Stage III is the stage where the cancer is either more than four centimeters or has spread to only one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer.
Stage IV occurs when the cancer may be any size; has spread to other tissues or lymph nodes on either side of the neck; or has spread to other parts of the body.
Recurrent cancer occurs when the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated.

Treatment options

Information

For more information about the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center or to schedule an appointment, please call (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

Shands at UF Cancer Services were ranked 45th in the country by U.S.News&World Report.

Shands at UF Cancer Services Navigation

History

University of Florida Shands Cancer Center 2008 Annual Report (PDF file)

University of Florida Cancer Survivor Program

Types of Cancer

Brain Cancer

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancers

Genitourinary Cancers

Gynecological Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Larynx Cancer

Leukemia

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Skin Cancer

Cancer Treatment

Bone Marrow Transplant

Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Surgery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about cancer services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.